Package of strand and a method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A self-supporting package of strand is disclosed. The disclosed method of manufacturing a package of strand is directed to the bulk collection of the strand. The disclosed strand collection system includes an attenuator that attenuates filaments from a bushing. The attenuator includes a pair of belts between which the strand is pinched to pull the filaments from the bushing. The attenuator directs the strand to a deflector assembly that slows down and imparts a degree of movement to the strand. The deflector assembly includes primary and secondary deflector surfaces which the strand engages. After the strand deflects off the secondary deflector surface, it is directed into a container assembly. The attenuator and deflector assembly traverse above the container assembly to deposit the strand. The container assembly is periodically vibrated by a vibrating mechanism as it collects strand. The vibrations settle and shift the strand in the container assembly for better strand distribution. The container assembly includes an outer container with perforations through which air and water can flow to remove moisture from the package. The container assembly also includes an inner container that provides support during the shipping of the package after the outer container is removed. After the strand has filled the container assembly, the container assembly and strand is dielectrically dried. The package may include intra-package splices of the strand if the strand breaks during the collection process. The strand collection system couples filaments or strands together to reduce or eliminate slippage of the strands when they are pulled from the package. The links are referred to as authentic links. When the strands have been coupled, the strands are easily and accurately run out of the package.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of collecting a strand, the method comprising the steps of: 
 imparting to the strand an initial velocity in a first direction;    deflecting the strand off a first surface disposed at an angle to said first direction to redirect the strand in a second direction and thereby to reduce the component of the strand's velocity in said first direction;    deflecting the strand off a second surface disposed substantially perpendicular to said second direction to change the component of the strand's velocity in said first direction to a substantially non-positive value; and    allowing the strand to fall under the influence of gravity into a container.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of imparting to the strand an initial velocity includes ejecting the strand from an attenuator.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said first direction is substantially vertical and said second direction is substantially horizontal.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of rotating the first surface about an axis approximately parallel to said first direction.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising traversing said first and second surfaces with respect to the container.  
     
     
         6 . A package of strand manufactured by the method of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         7 . A self-supporting block of strand comprising a continuous strand bound together by a coating of size and distributed in a plurality of substantially parallel layers, said strand being disposed in each of said layers in a serpentine pattern of nested loops.  
     
     
         8 . The block of  claim 7  wherein said loops are circular.  
     
     
         9 . The block of  claim 7  wherein said loops are arcuate.  
     
     
         10 . The block of  claim 7  wherein said continuous strand includes two strand sections and a splice coupling said strand sections.  
     
     
         11 . The block of  claim 10  wherein said block has an outer surface and said splice is disposed outside said block adjacent said outer surface.  
     
     
         12 . The block of  claim 10  wherein said splice is within said block.  
     
     
         13 . The block of  claim 7  wherein said strand includes first and second bundles of filaments disposed in parallel relationship and coupled to each other at a plurality of locations along said bundles by said coating of size.  
     
     
         14 . A package of strand comprising: 
 a first bundle of filaments disposed in said package; and    a second bundle of filaments disposed in said package in substantially parallel relationship with said first bundle of filaments and coupled to said first bundle of filaments at a plurality of locations along said bundles.    
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 14  wherein said bundles include a coating of size and wherein said bundles are coupled by adhesion of said size.  
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 14  further comprising a third bundle of filaments disposed in said package in substantially parallel relationship with said first and second bundles of filaments, said third bundle being coupled to said first bundle and to said second bundle.  
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 14  further comprising a third bundle of filaments disposed in said package in substantially parallel relationship with said first and second bundles of filaments, said third bundle being coupled to said second bundle and not coupled to said first bundle.  
     
     
         18 . A method of manufacturing a package of strand comprising the steps of: 
 attenuating filaments from a source of material;    dividing the filaments into a first bundle and a second bundle;    coupling said first and second bundles to each other at a plurality of coupling locations along said bundles; and    directing said coupled bundles into a container.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said coupling step comprises: 
 dividing each of said bundles into two subbundles;  
 coupling one subbundle from each bundle together by adhesion with a coating of size on the filaments in said subbundles.  
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said bundles are coated with size and wherein said coupling step comprises: 
 crossing said first bundle and said second bundle at each of said coupling locations;  
 pressing said first bundle against said second bundle at each of said coupling locations to adhere said bundles together with said size.  
 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein 
 said dividing step further includes dividing said filaments into a third bundle;  
 said coupling step further comprises: 
 coupling said third bundle to said first bundle at a plurality of second coupling locations by crossing said third bundle and said first bundle and pressing said third bundle against said first bundle at each of said second coupling locations to adhere said bundles together with said size; and  
 coupling said third bundle to said second bundle at a plurality of third coupling locations by crossing said third bundle and said second bundle and pressing said third bundle against said second bundle at each of said third coupling locations to adhere said bundles together with said size.  
 
 
     
     
         22 . Apparatus for coupling together at spaced intervals parallel bundles of filaments attenuated from a source of material, comprising: 
 a cylindrical body mountable for rotation about a central axis and having an outer surface,    a first helical groove formed in said outer surface; and    a second helical groove formed in said surface and intersecting said first helical groove,    said intersecting helical grooves defining coupling regions in which bundles of filaments drawn across said outer surface can be brought into coupling contact and further defining parting regions in which bundles of filaments coupled in said coupling regions can be divided into sub-bundles.    
     
     
         23 . A coupling device for coupling together at spaced intervals two parallel bundles of filaments attenuated from a source of material by an attenuator having an entry region in which the bundles of filaments are engaged by the attenuator, the coupling device comprising: 
 a first shoe adapted to engage between the source of material and the attenuator one of the bundles;    a second shoe adapted to engage between the source of material and the attenuator the other of the bundles;    a drive coupled to said first and second shoes to reciprocate said shoes with respect to each other so that the two bundles are urged to cross each other before entering the entry region, whereby the bundles are coupled together in the attenuator.    
     
     
         24 . A package of strand comprising; 
 an approximately planar bottom plate having a perimeter;    a plurality of upright columnar supports disposed about, and projecting upwardly from, said perimeter of said bottom plate and defining between said supports and said plate a strand containing volume; and    a self-supporting block of strand bound together by a coating of size and disposed within and substantially filling said strand containing volume.    
     
     
         25 . The package of  claim 24  wherein said columnar supports are sufficiently strong to collectively support a second package of approximately equal weight.  
     
     
         26 . The package of  claim 24  wherein said bottom plate is rectangular and said plurality of columnar supports includes four columnar supports.  
     
     
         27 . The package of  claim 24  wherein said bottom plate and said columnar support are integrally formed.  
     
     
         28 . The package of  claim 24  wherein said columnar supports are releasably adhered to said block of strand by said size.  
     
     
         29 . The package of  claim 24  wherein said bottom plate and said columnar supports are formed of polymer.  
     
     
         30 . The package of  claim 24  further comprising a top plate supported above said block of strand on said columnar supports.  
     
     
         31 . The package of  claim 24  further comprising an outer container disposed around and containing said bottom plate and said columnar supports, said outer container including an upstanding, perforated peripheral wall surrounding said block of strand and said columnar supports.  
     
     
         32 . The package of  claim 24  wherein said block of strand comprises a continuous strand distributed in layers substantially parallel to said bottom plate, said strand being disposed in each of said layers.  
     
     
         33 . A container for collecting strand comprising: 
 an inner container including a bottom plate having a perimeter and a plurality of upright columnar supports disposed about, and projecting upwardly from, said perimeter of said bottom plate and defining between said supports and said plate a strand containing volume; and    an outer container disposed around and containing said bottom plate and said columnar supports, said outer container including an upstanding, perforated peripheral wall surrounding said block of strand and said columnar supports.    
     
     
         34 . The container of  claim 33  wherein said peripheral wall has a lower edge and said outer container includes a bottom wall coupled to said lower edge.  
     
     
         35 . The container of  claim 33  wherein said bottom plate and said columnar supports are formed of polymer.  
     
     
         36 . A method of forming a self-supporting block of strand, comprising the steps of: 
 disposing into an outer container having an upstanding, perforated peripheral wall and an inner container having a bottom plate with a perimeter and a plurality of upright columnar supports disposed about, and projecting upwardly from, said perimeter of said bottom plate and defining between said supports and said plate a strand containing volume;    directing into said inner container a strand coated with an aqueous size to substantially fill said strand containing volume with strand;    removing moisture from said strand to dry said aqueous size and thereby adhere said strand to itself to form a self-supporting block of strand; and    removing said inner container and block of strand from said outer container.    
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36  wherein said drying step includes forcing a flow of air through said peripheral wall, between said columnar supports, and through said strand containing volume.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36  wherein said outer container is formed of non-metallic material and wherein said drying step includes dielectrically heating said aqueous size.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36  further including the step of vibrating said outer container to shift and settle the strand within said strand containing volume.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 36  further including the step of removing said columnar supports from said block of strand.  
     
     
         41 . A package of strand comprising two sections of strand and a splice coupling said strand sections.  
     
     
         42 . The package of  claim 41  wherein: 
 said sections of strand have a coating of size and said strand is adhered to itself by said size to form a self-supporting block of strand having an outer surface; and  
 said splice is disposed outside said block adjacent said outer surface.  
 
     
     
         43 . The package of  claim 41  wherein: 
 said sections of strand have a coating of size and said strand is adhered to itself by said size to form a self-supporting block of strand; and  
 said splice is disposed within said block.  
 
     
     
         44 . A method of manufacturing a package of strand comprising the steps of: 
 attenuating from a source of material a first strand section having a first end and a second end;    directing said first end of said first strand section into a container;    attenuating from the source of material a second strand section having a first end and a second end;    coupling said first end of said second strand section to said second end of said first strand section; and    directing said second strand section into said container.    
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44  wherein in said coupling step said first end of said second strand section and said second end of said first stand section are coupled at a splice.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45  wherein in said directing step said splice is directed outside said container.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46  wherein said splice is a temporary splice and further comprising the step of replacing said temporary splice with a permanent splice.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47:   wherein said strand is coated with a size;    further comprising the step of drying said size to adhere said strand sections to themselves and to each other to form a self-supporting block of strand having an exterior surface; and    wherein said replacing step includes the steps of: 
 removing said temporary splice by shortening said first end of said second strand section close to the exterior surface of the block of strand and shortening said second end of said first strand section adjacent the exterior surface; and overlapping said shortened first end of said second strand section and said shortened second end of said first strand section; and  
 wrapping said overlapped shortened ends to form said permanent splice, whereby said permanent splice is adjacent the exterior surface of the block of strand.  
   
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 45  wherein in said directing step said splice is directed inside said container.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 44  wherein said coupling step includes the steps of: 
 securing said second end of said first strand section;  
 shortening said second end of said first strand section by removing a portion of said second end;  
 securing said first end of said second strand section;  
 shortening said first end of said second strand section by removing a portion of said first end;  
 bringing said shortened ends together; and  
 entangling said shortened ends to form said splice.  
 
     
     
         51 . The method of  45  wherein said coupling step includes the steps of: 
 directing said second end of said first strand section outside said container; and  
 directing said first end of said second strand section outside said container; andfurther comprising the step of directing said splice into said container.  
 
     
     
         52 . A package formed by the method of  claim 51 .  
     
     
         53 . A package formed by the method of  claim 44 .  
     
     
         54 . Apparatus for joining two sections of strand, comprising: 
 a base;    a strand cutter coupled to said base;    a strand splicer coupled to said base adjacent said strand cutter;    a strand gripper movably coupled to said base for movement between a first position adjacent said strand cutter and said strand splicer and a second position spaced from said strand cutter and said strand splicer;    a gripper drive coupled to said strand gripper to move said strand gripper between said first and second positions;    a strand detector operative to detect the presence of a strand disposed between said first position and second positions of said strand gripper and to generate a detection signal in response thereto; and    a controller operatively coupled to said strand cutter, said strand splicer, said strand gripper, said gripper drive, and strand detector, said controller including control logic which is responsive to receipt of a detection signal generated by said strand detector when a first strand is detected to cause said strand gripper to grip said first strand, to cause said gripper drive to move said first strand to said second position and into operative engagement with said strand cutter and said strand splicer, and to cause said strand cutter to cut said first strand and form a first cut end, said control logic further being responsive to receipt of a detection signal generated by said strand detector when a second strand is detected to cause said strand gripper to grip said second strand, to cause said gripper drive to move said second strand to said second position and into operative engagement with said strand cutter and said strand splicer, to cause said strand cutter to cut said second strand and form a second cut end, and to cause said strand splicer to splice said first and second cut ends together.    
     
     
         55 . The apparatus of  claim 54  wherein said strand splicer includes: 
 a splicing cavity in which said first and second cut ends can be received; and  
 means for directing a flow of air into said splicing cavity with sufficient velocity and flow rate to cause said first and second cut ends to become entangled.  
 
     
     
         56 . The apparatus of  claim 54  wherein said strand gripper includes two gripper fingers for gripping a strand therebetween.  
     
     
         57 . The apparatus of  claim 54  wherein said strand detector is an optical detector.  
     
     
         58 . The apparatus of  claim 54  further comprising: 
 a second strand gripper movably coupled to said base for movement between said first position and said second position.  
 
     
     
         59 . The apparatus of  claim 54  further comprising: 
 a third gripper positioned adjacent to said strand cutter and said strand splicer.  
 
     
     
         60 . A method of manufacturing a package of strand comprising the steps of: 
 directing the strand into a container; and    vibrating said container to shift and settle the strand.    
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 60  wherein the vibrating step includes imparting to the container vibrations that include a vertical acceleration component.  
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 60  wherein said vibrating step is performed concurrently with said directing step.  
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62  wherein said vibrating step includes vibrating said container intermittently.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 60  wherein said vibrating step includes imparting to the container vibrations having a sinusoidal form.  
     
     
         65 . A package of strand manufactured by the method of  claim 60 .  
     
     
         66 . A method of manufacturing a package of strand comprising the steps of: 
 directing into a non-metallic container a strand coated with an aqueous size; and    dielectrically drying said strand to remove moisture from the size, whereby the dried size adheres the strand to itself sufficiently to form a self-supporting block of strand; and    removing said block of strand from said container.    
     
     
         67 . A block of strand formed by the method of  claim 66 .  
     
     
         68 . A method of attenuating a strand, comprising the steps of: 
 engaging a strand attenuated a strand from a source of a material with a first attenuator;    attenuating the strand at a first attenuation speed with the first attenuator;    bringing the strand into operative engagement with a second attenuator;    releasing the strand from the first attenuator; and    attenuating the strand at a second attenuation speed, greater than said first attenuation speed, with the second attenuator.    
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 68  wherein said bringing step includes engaging the strand between the source of material and the first attenuator.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69  wherein said releasing step includes severing said strand between said first and second attenuators.  
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 68  further including the steps of: 
 directing strand attenuated with said first attenuator into a waste collector; and  
 directing strand attenuated with said second attenuator into a container to collect said strand for use.  
 
     
     
         72 . Apparatus for engaging with a strand attenuator a strand attenuated from a source of material, comprising: 
 a first attenuator for attenuating the strand from the source of material; and    an arm having a contact surface mounted on an end, said arm mounted for movement relative to the strand attenuator, said contact surface engaging the strand between the source of material and said first attenuator and bringing the strand into operative engagement with the strand attenuator.    
     
     
         73 . The apparatus of  claim 72  wherein said first attenuator comprises a pair of rolls.  
     
     
         74 . The apparatus of  claim 72  wherein said contact surface is an idler roll, said idler roll mounted proximate to an end of the arm.  
     
     
         75 . The apparatus of  claim 72  further comprising: 
 a second arm having a second contact surface mounted on an end, said second arm mounted for movement relative to the strand attenuator, said second contact surface engaging the strand between said arm contact surface and said first attenuator.  
 
     
     
         76 . The apparatus of  claim 72  further comprising: 
 a cutter mounted proximate to the strand attenuator, the cutter cutting the strand between the strand attenuator and said first attenuator.  
 
     
     
         77 . A method of manufacturing a package of strand comprising the steps of: 
 disposing a container at a fill position beneath an attenuator mounted for movement with respect to the fill position;    attenuating the strand from a source of material with the attenuator;    coating the strand with an aqueous size;    directing the strand from the attenuator into the container;    moving said container away from said fill position;    drying said strand in said container to remove moisture from the strand and thereby to adhere the strand to itself with the dried size to form a self-supporting package of strand; and    removing said self-supporting package of strand from said container.    
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 77  wherein in said directing step the strand is deflected off a first surface of a deflector.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 77  wherein said attenuating step includes engaging the strand from the source of material with the attenuator.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 77  wherein said attenuating step comprises attenuating filaments from the source of material and dividing the filaments into a first bundle and a second bundle, and further comprising the step of: 
 coupling said first and second bundles to each other at a plurality of coupling locations along said bundles.  
 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 77  further comprising the step of: 
 vibrating said container to shift and settle the strand.  
 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 77  wherein said attenuating step includes traversing the attenuator with respect to said container.  
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 77  wherein said strand includes a first section having a first end and a second end and a second section having a first end and a second end, and further comprising the step of: 
 coupling the first end of the second strand section to the second end of the first strand section.  
 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 77  wherein said moving step includes moving an empty container to the fill position.  
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 77  wherein said attenuating step includes oscillating the path of the strand as it enters said attenuator.  
     
     
         86 . A system for manufacturing a package of strand comprising: 
 a source of material;    a container for collecting the strand;    an attenuator for attenuating the strand from said source of material, said attenuator mounted for movement relative to said container between a start up position and a fill position; and    a deflector coupled to said attenuator, wherein said deflector directs the strand from said attenuator away from said container when said attenuator is in its start up position and directs the strand from said attenuator into said container when said attenuator is in its fill position.    
     
     
         87 . The system of  claim 86  wherein said attenuator and said deflector are movable with respect to said container.  
     
     
         88 . The system of  claim 86  wherein said deflector includes a frame and a membrane coupled to said frame, said membrane oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal plane.  
     
     
         89 . The system of  claim 88  wherein said frame is adjustable relative to said attenuator so that said angle between said membrane and the horizontal plane can be adjusted.  
     
     
         90 . The system of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 a vibrating mechanism, wherein said container is positioned on said vibrating mechanism and said vibrating mechanism imparts vibrations to said container.  
 
     
     
         91 . The system of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 a movable conveyor for transporting an empty container adjacent to the vibrating mechanism.  
 
     
     
         92 . The system of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 a splicer/cutter assembly positioned proximate to said container, said splicer/cutter assembly including a base; a strand cutter coupled to said base; and a strand splicer coupled to said base adjacent said strand cutter, wherein said strand splicer splices strand ends and said strand cutter cuts said spliced strand ends.  
 
     
     
         93 . The system of  claim 92  wherein said attenuator lays the strand on said splicer/cutter assembly as said attenuator moves from said start up position to said filling position.  
     
     
         94 . The system of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 a dielectric oven for drying the strand to remove moisture from the size, whereby the dried size adheres the strand to itself sufficiently to form a self-supporting block of strand.  
 
     
     
         95 . The system of  claim 86  wherein said container comprises an inner container including a bottom plate having a perimeter and a plurality of upright columnar supports disposed about, and projecting upwardly from, said perimeter of said bottom plate and defining between said supports and said plate a strand containing volume; and an outer container disposed around and containing said bottom plate and said columnar supports, said outer container including an upstanding, perforated peripheral wall surrounding said block of strand and said columnar supports.  
     
     
         96 . The system of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 a thread up apparatus for engaging with a strand attenuator a strand attenuated from a source of material, said thread up apparatus including a first attenuator for attenuating the strand from the source of material; and an arm having a contact surface mounted on an end, said arm mounted for movement relative to the strand attenuator, said contact surface engaging the strand between the source of material and said first attenuator and bringing the strand into operative engagement with the strand attenuator.  
 
     
     
         97 . A system for manufacturing a package of strand comprising: 
 a source of material;    a container for collecting the strand;    an attenuator for attenuating the strand from said source of material, said attenuator mounted for movement relative to said container between a start up position and a fill position; and    a vibrating mechanism, wherein said container is positioned on said vibrating mechanism, said vibrating mechanism imparts vibrations to said container, and said vibrations include a vertical acceleration component.    
     
     
         98 . The system of  claim 97  further comprising: 
 a deflector coupled to said attenuator, wherein said deflector directs the strand from said attenuator away from said container when said attenuator is in its start up position and directs the strand from said attenuator into said container when said attenuator is in its fill position.  
 
     
     
         99 . The system of  claim 98  wherein said attenuator and said deflector are movable with respect to said container.  
     
     
         100 . The system of  claim 97  further comprising: 
 a splicer/cutter assembly positioned proximate to said container, said splicer/cutter assembly including a base; a strand cutter coupled to said base; and a strand splicer coupled to said base adjacent said strand cutter, wherein said strand splicer splices strand ends and said strand cutter cuts said spliced strand ends.  
 
     
     
         101 . The system of  claim 100  wherein said attenuator lays the strand on said splicer/cutter assembly as said attenuator moves from said start up position to said filling position.  
     
     
         102 . The system of  claim 97  further comprising: 
 a dielectric oven for drying the strand to remove moisture from the size, whereby the dried size adheres the strand to itself sufficiently to form a self-supporting block of strand.  
 
     
     
         103 . The system of  claim 97  wherein said container comprises an inner container including a bottom plate having a perimeter and a plurality of upright columnar supports disposed about, and projecting upwardly from, said perimeter of said bottom plate and defining between said supports and said plate a strand containing volume; and an outer container disposed around and containing said bottom plate and said columnar supports, said outer container including an upstanding, perforated peripheral wall surrounding said block of strand and said columnar supports.  
     
     
         104 . The system of  claim 97  further comprising: 
 a thread up apparatus for engaging with a strand attenuator a strand attenuated from a source of material, said thread up apparatus including a first attenuator for attenuating the strand from the source of material; and an arm having a contact surface mounted on an end, said arm mounted for movement relative to the strand attenuator, said contact surface engaging the strand between the source of material and said first attenuator and bringing the strand into operative engagement with the strand attenuator.  
 
     
     
         105 . A system for manufacturing a package of strand comprising: 
 a source of material;    a container for collecting the strand;    an attenuator for attenuating the strand from said source of material, said attenuator mounted for movement relative to said container between a start up position and a fill position;    a vibrating mechanism, said container being positioned on said vibrating mechanism and said vibrating mechanism imparts vibrations to said container, said vibrating mechanism including a sensor for generating an input signal in response to presence of said container;    a controller, said controller including control logic and a timing mechanism, said controller producing an output signal in response to said input signal; and    an actuator, wherein said actuator moves said attenuator from the start up position to the fill position in response to said output signal from said controller.    
     
     
         106 . The system of  105  wherein said attenuator includes a drive wheel driven by a motor and an inverter for sensing the torque on said drive wheel, said inverter generates an inverter input signal in response to a change in torque, said controller generates an inverter output signal in response to said inverter input signal, and said controller transmits said inverter output signal to the drive wheel motor to control the operation of the drive wheel.  
     
     
         107 . A method of collecting a strand, the method comprising the steps of: 
 imparting to the strand an initial velocity in a first direction;    deflecting the strand off a surface to change the component of the strand's velocity in said first direction to a substantially non-positive value; and    allowing the strand to fall in a second direction under the influence of gravity into a container, said second direction being substantially perpendicular to said first direction.    
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 107  wherein said first direction is substantially horizontal and said second direction is substantially vertical.  
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 107  further comprising: 
 adjusting the orientation of said surface relative to a horizontal plane.  
 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 107  further comprising: 
 adjusting the responsiveness of said surface.  
 
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110  wherein said deflecting the strand off a surface includes deflecting the strand off a first membrane coupled to a frame, said frame including a second membrane coupled to a side opposite said first membrane and defining a chamber therebetween, and said adjusting said responsiveness includes varying the fluid pressure in said chamber.  
     
     
         112 . A deflector assembly for deflecting a strand comprising: 
 a frame; and    first and second membranes coupled to said frame, said frame and said membranes defining a chamber therebetween.    
     
     
         113 . The deflector assembly of  claim 112  wherein said first membrane is a flexible film.  
     
     
         114 . The deflector assembly of  claim 112  wherein said frame includes a port in fluidic communication with said chamber.  
     
     
         115 . A deflector assembly for deflecting a strand comprising: 
 a frame defining a hollow, interior region; and    a membrane coupled to said frame and covering a portion of said interior region, said membrane being a flexible film.    
     
     
         116 . The deflector assembly of  claim 115  wherein said membrane includes a first membrane portion and a second membrane portion, said first membrane portion being oriented at an angle relative to said second membrane portion.